Mr Singh-Watson, whose company is aiming to use only fully compostable plastic by 2020, says switching materials isn’t always the best option – as some, like paper, can have a higher carbon footprint than plastic.

He said it would be “a step in the wrong direction” if companies focused too much on their plastic usage, rather than addressing energy efficiency or reducing their carbon footprint in other ways.

The government has pledged to tackle plastic waste and is considering a number of proposals, including a ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.